Kathmandu, June 24 -- On June 14, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal was returning from Dhangadhi when he stopped at several sections of the Nagdhunga-Mugling road widening project to inspect the progress of work on one of the country's busiest highways.

Along the route, local residents complained about construction delays. Project officials told the minister that road expansion work had been obstructed because electricity poles had not been relocated on time. In frustration, Lamsal instructed officials to summon the contractor and break his legs if work did not move ahead.

The remarks sparked criticism from all walks of life, drew objections from construction industry representatives and prompted questions in Parliament. ...